State law change unlikely to curb fireworks

The Macomb Daily/RAY J. SKOWRONEK
Michael Burda, owner of Motor City Fireworks on Groesbeck and Cass in Mount Clemens, holds UV-60 gram canister shells. A new state law permits communities to restrict the time fireworks can be detonated, but officials anticipate plenty of action this week in celebration of July 4.

Despite a new state law that places restrictions on fireworks use, few authorities expect a quiet Fourth of July celebration.

But they do hope for a safe one.

Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley recently signed legislation that permits local units of government to prohibit the use of fireworks between midnight and 8 a.m. on the national holidays and one day on either side. That would mean municipalities could put the restrictions in place for Wednesday through Friday of this week.

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But first, those local governments must adopt ordinances that reflect the change in state law. And with the celebration about to begin, communities have little chance to act.

“At this late juncture, it’s kind of hard to form any restrictions,” said James Swinkowski, Shelby Township fire chief. “We’ll be looking at it (after the holiday).”

Mount Clemens city officials plan to push through an “emergency” ordinance on Monday night to put the restrictions on the books. But Mayor Barb Dempsey doesn’t believe that will necessarily solve the problem of overzealous fireworks enthusiasts.

“We would like to get it done as soon as possible … but it’s very difficult to enforce,” the mayor said.

The new state law comes about a year after the state legislature liberalized fireworks sales and use in Michigan. In an attempt to capture some of the tax dollars going to Ohio and Indiana and other states, Michigan lawmakers last year expanded the types of fireworks that could be detonated legally in the state.

But the measure had unintended consequences; specifically, more fireworks detonated for longer periods of time.

“It has done nothing but gotten worse,” Macomb Township resident Carl Angelilli told the Board of Trustees in his community recently. “My right to quiet and peaceful enjoyment of my property has vanished since this law has taken effect.”

Under the new law, persons who set off fireworks between midnight and 8 a.m. (or 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day) are subject to a fine of up to $500.

But catching violators is difficult, if not impossible. Overburdened, understaffed law enforcement agencies have little hope of policing an entire community or communities of fireworks enthusiasts.

While promising to “answer as many calls as possible,” Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham urged those who set off the fireworks to respect their neighbors, practice safety and remember an irrefutable law of nature: “What goes up, must come down.”

Swinkowski, too, offered a few suggestions:

• Make sure adults supervise fireworks activity;

• Ignite just one explosive at a time and stay away from homemade grand finales;

• Be conscious of wind direction and fall zones;

• Set off fireworks early enough so as not to disturb neighbors.

Meanwhile, Swinkowski and those like him charged with keeping the public safe will hold their collective breath for a few days.